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Need/Purpose/Description:
To add enjoyment and to engage non-verbal linguistic learners, the component of a virtual dog show has been added to a research unit on dog breeds conducted by 5th grade students. Prior to this added component, students have read the novel __Old Yeller__ in literature class and researched dog breeds in library class; this research was used to present a speech about their chosen breed. To culminate the study, students were asked to submit favorite photos of their pets and to do voice overs for the pictures. A power point slide show of the aforementioned study is attached.

Setting: Who/What/When/Where/How:
The project was designed for 5th grade students being aligned as a cross-curricular project with the literature teacher. The unit formed in conjunction with a novel study and research project on dog breeds was a fun way to incorporate several of the multiple intelligences that were not focused on during the reading, writing, and research components of the unit. Students spent five weeks reading the novel, journaling, researching, preparing speeches, and presenting them. The Virtual Dog Show was presented at the end of the speeches that were presented to students and their fathers as added audience members. The project was conducted at Evansville Christian School. A small K-8 private school in Southern Indiana with a student population of 600; 60 of these students are 5th graders. The literature and library/media specialist co-planned, co-instructed, and co-managed the project.

Technical Aspects/Audio and Video Components:
Technical components used were digital photos submitted via e-mail or memory card by students, computer microphone to record the voice overs, and movie maker to combine the still photos with the voice overs.

Sample Component:
Attached is a sample virtual dog show produced by me as a promo for my students. media type="file" key="Happy It's a Dog's Life.wmv" align="left" width="300" height="300"